“This is the
verdict: Light has come into the world, but men
loved darkness instead of light because their
deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates
the light, and will not come into the light for
fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever
lives by the truth comes into the light, so that
it may be seen plainly that what he has done has
been done through God."
John 3:19-21
Adding
Buddhism to Animism:
Buddhism is the
national religion of Thailand. About 95% of Thai
citizens are Buddhists. For them it is a way of
life.
Buddhism has
influenced many Pwo Karen people. They will make
merit on certain days of the year. Once a year
they tithe, like the Christians do on
Thanksgiving.
Many of them
will bring a sack of rice. Pwo Karen boys will
go into priesthood for some weeks or months to
help the monks in order to make merit. Others
are going to a monastery in the city for a few
years to get free education.
Life for a
dek wat or temple boy in the countryside is very
interesting. Early in the morning, before
daybreak, he must prepare the alms bowl.
Everyday he will follow the monks while they
collect the alms. He will then carry the food. This takes place in a circle of
2-3 kilometers away from the temple. Many times,
he has to run for safety when he encounters
fierce dogs.
A temple boy
will undertake work similar to that of a house
cleaner, but he will not get paid by the monk.
On the contrary, his duty is done in exchange
for merit, free food and accommodation. The life
of a temple boy is not easy, as it seems,
especially in a village temple where the nearby
villagers are mainly poor farmers. Food is
offered to monks and novices in a rather limited
quantity. As a result, it is quite common little
food is left for the temple boys.
Praise:
- Thank the Lord for the plans made to reach
out to the Pwo Karen people in the Buddhist
influenced areas in Thailand.
Pray:
- That God will work a miracle of His grace to
bring many soldiers to Christ and stop the
violent persecution of Christians in Burma.
- For the Pwo Karen people of Thailand. Many
are influenced by Buddhism and are bound by
fears for the spirits around them. Pray they
will search for the TRUTH.
- For the Pwo Karen Christians, that they will
stand firm in a Buddhist society. Children
are easy influenced in school and often
memorize Buddhist prayers and beliefs. Pray
the Christians will set a good example so
new believers will follow Christ only!
- Pray that this year many of those people in
Buddhist areas will have the opportunity to
watch the Jesus Film in Pwo Karen language
and will repent of their old life.
